Marshall Soper – the Gifted Journeyman

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When Marshall Soper, the former Socceroo great, witnessed the demise of Harry Souttar with his ACL injury in the recent Socceroo World Cup home clash against Saudi Arabia on November 11th, his thoughts flashed back to the 29th March, 1987 when he was playing with Sydney Olympic against Sydney City.

With one turn of his body early in the first half, Soper was writhing on the ground in agony after tearing the cruciate ligament in his right knee and was forced to sit out the season following a complete knee reconstruction.

It was ironic that Luke Brattan, the Sydney FC holding midfielder, also befell the same fate in the FA Cup clash against Sydney Olympic on 24th November.

A lot of water has fallen under the bridge since Soper captivated the football community after his first appearance for Apia-Leichhardt in the 1981 NSL season, followed by his rapid rise to Socceroo stardom in 1982.

Who could ever forget the matches against Juventus in 1984 when the Italian champions toured Downunder.

His performances, particularly in Sydney and Melbourne were simply mesmerising as he toyed with the Juventus defence, leading to the expulsion of Cabrini, the famous Italian left back, who had no answer to Soper’s skills in Sydney.

Yet Soper’s failure to capitalise on his huge talent was also exemplified after his outstanding display on the Socceroo’s tour match against Arsenal at Highbury in November, 1984. On the night he gave the England left back and captain, Kenny Samson, nightmares while scoring two goals for the Socceroos in a 3-2 loss to the Gunners.

In August, 1985, Red Star Belgrade, the Yugoslav champions toured Australia and the goal Soper scored at St George Stadium in the 4-1 win by the Socceroos was world class.

Beating two Red Star defenders at the half way mark, Soper sprinted to a position just outside the penalty area. The advancing keeper tried to narrow the angle but Soper pushed the ball with the outside of his right foot into the corner of the net.

First team players and coaches Marshall Soper front row, 6th from the right

 

It was at this time, people recognised that this man was no mere mortal as he made the big name Red Star players look ordinary that day.

Soper’s life has always been dedicated to the game he loves in his extraordinary playing career and for the many years he has spent in technical coaching roles in Australia and Asia.

He returned to Australia in March, 2020 from his three year stint as Technical Director at Yangon United in Myanmar due to Covid 19 and is currently weighing the options in his football life.

In this interview with Roger Sleeman, Marshall Soper discusses his experiences in Myanmar, the standard of football in Australia and how it can be improved, reflects on his playing career and outlines his aspirations in football.

ROGER SLEEMAN

In your three years in Myanmar, what was your experience of facilities, youth development and football standards?

MARSHALL SOPER

Like the rest of Asia, the country is pouring money into football while the investment in Australia is at a standstill.

Yangon United has a full time professional setup for the 1st team, U 21’s and U/18’s. They own their stadium, have an accommodation facility adjacent to the stadium complex which has 120 rooms, full time chefs, restaurants, coffee shops, swimming pool and gymnasium and support staff.

I had my own driver and the players would walk from their accommodation to the training ground while the club has a fleet of buses to transport supporters to matches.

The club plays in the National League and in 2019 we played in the Asian Champions League and topped the group.

The first year I joined the club, they hadn’t won anything but in that same season, they captured the three domestic trophies.

It was a full on job for me and not without stress levels while working with coaches, adapting players to professionalism and training seven days a week, sometimes twice a day.

The youth teams played during the week and the 1st team at the weekend so I was either at a training session or a match.

It’s a country which is crying out for help and so committed to youth development which is sadly not the case in Australia.

Here, there’s not the push to develop youth because clubs want to win on the day, rather than having a long term plan. Hence the drop in standards of our national team and our resulting poorer ranking in Asia where we struggle to beat countries like Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Marshall Soper addressing coaches & players regarding pre-season

 

ROGER SLEEMAN

You attended the Socceroos clash with Saudi Arabia on November 11th.

What were your impressions?

MARSHALL SOPER

If you look at the positions the players take up on the pitch, there seems to be a startling resemblance to what the National Curriculum espouses.

The game is still too basic as we use very wide players to cross the ball from three quarters of the pitch at best and there is no attempt to beat opponents, especially through the middle of the park.

On the night, Mitch Duke and Jamie McClaren should’ve started the match to attack the heart of the Saudi’s defence, particularly with the speed of Martin Boyle.

If it hadn’t been for that great block in the first half by Harry Souttar which precipitated his injury ,Australia would’ve probably lost the match but overall our tactics were negative, while the Saudis were perfectly prepared and played us out of our comfort zone.

They dominated the middle of the park and we failed to penetrate from the wide areas.

The truth is, the Saudis had enough of the ball and chances in front of goal to win the game easily.

ROGER SLEEMAN

I performed a basic statistical analysis of A-League players four years ago and discovered that only 10% of them were competent on both sides.

Can you explain this, and what responsibility do technical directors have to improve this situation?

MARSHALL SOPER

At the moment, there is a poor understanding of how to develop the complete player in both the A-League and at NPL level.

As I mentioned previously, the emphasis is on winning rather than developing and in the A-League we’re importing questionable overseas players who are earning easy cash, rather than producing youth players of high quality.

In terms of the youth policy, are we coaching the coaches correctly?

Also, are we appointing people in TD roles with the right knowledge and philosophy to develop players to their maximum potential?

Do these people understand the full spectrum e.g. do they know what it’s like to be injured, what is required of a technical player or a hard working player to be successful and can they develop two sided players.

I doubt if we have the right people in this country to accomplish these objectives.

ROGER SLEEMAN

While you have been back in Australia, have you been approached to coach?

MARSHALL SOPER

I’ve had a number of calls and conversations from A-League clubs who have talked about the position of striker or front third coach but I prefer to look at starting my own academy where I can determine the structure and provide a transparent pathway to European clubs.

Recently, I signed an agreement with 90.1.1 Management Agency which is located in Central Europe and my name is now on their website.

The organisation is a group of licensed football agents who carve a pathway for young players and suitable movement for established players.

I want to cater for quality European players to come to Australia and Asia and for young players from Australia to play in Europe and Asia.

Currently, Kusini Yengi from Adelaide United is managed by the group.

 

Team coaches together with Marshall Soper for weekly match review

 

ROGER SLEEMAN

Not a year goes by when football supporters ask the question as to why you withdrew from the 1985 World Cup qualifiers. It’s firmly believed, if you, Craig Johnston and Tony Dorigo had been available for the two home and away matches against Scotland, our chances to qualify for Mexico,1986 would have increased considerably.

Your comment.

MARSHALL SOPER

I have to carry this burden on my shoulders but we were receiving a very poor pay deal with the national team compared to what the clubs were paying us.

If we were injured for the Socceroos we would’ve received small compensation so we had to ask ourselves, was it worth playing when you were feeding a family?

The answer for me at the time was no and remember there was no PFA in existence at the time to support the players.

ROGER SLEEMAN

Your rejection of the Arsenal manager, Don Howe’s contract offer on the Socceroo world tour in November, 1984 after you scored two goals against the Gunners and played mind games with the England captain and left back, Kenny Samson, is still something your followers can’t understand .

Can you please explain?

MARSHALL SOPER

I had other offers from other clubs, apart from Arsenal and as I look back at what could’ve been, the matter becomes purely hypothetical.

Did I make a difference in Australian football? History records, I was the only player to win five National Cup competitions, two each with Sydney Olympic and Parramatta Eagles and one with Apia-Leichhardt.

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Yarraville Glory FC: Building Community Through Football

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Image Credit: Yarraville Glory FC website

For Yarraville Glory FC, football isn’t just about competition—it’s about connection. Whether through the partnerships with Mells Football Academy & Summer Holiday Football, or fundraising efforts like Think Pink, the club is creating more than just players; it’s building a stronger, more inclusive community.

Speaking with Soccerscene, President of Yarraville Glory FC Jim Babatzanis discusses how the club is making football accessible for all and turning the game into a powerful tool for junior growth and family bonding.

Can you tell us about the club’s mission when it comes to community involvement? How has that shaped Yarraville Glory’s identity?

Jim Babatzanis: Our goal is to get everyone together—parents, kids, seniors—all involved together. We want to bring it back to when we played as kids, when you would stay at the ground all day, and parents would connect with parents from other teams. It’s about making the club feel like a family, not just a community. We’re starting to bring that back slowly, and we can already see the positive impact.

How do you ensure that football at Yarraville Glory FC is accessible and inclusive for people of all backgrounds and abilities?

Jim Babatzanis: We’ve done indigenous training; we’ve done all different types of training. Last year, we had African community leaders come in and have a chat with us as well. We want to include everyone because, at the end of the day, we’re all the same—our differences don’t matter. 

Yarraville Glory FC has recently formed an official partnership with Mells Football Academy. What does this collaboration mean for the club, and how does it fit into the club’s long-term vision?

Jim Babatzanis: For us, this partnership provides more training for our juniors in a smaller, more intimate environment. Coaches will be handling 15 kids and aren’t able to coach individually; they have to coach for a team environment. For us, the vision is for us to guide our juniors all the way to the senior team. George Mells, who has played in the A-League and overseas, has helped us in these academies, bringing invaluable experience to help develop young players. As well as this, James Golding, our technical director, his work that he does with us is unbelievable. I’m most excited about seeing the kids improve their skills and play at the highest possible level they can achieve.

Could you please tell us a bit about the Summer Holiday Football Camp? What should players and parents expect from this camp, and could you walk us through how the camp was structured and what makes it a unique opportunity for young footballers?

Jim Babatzanis: Firstly, it gives them time to be away from technology and be out and about, and George creates a fun environment for the kids. They spend the day there playing, training, learning new skills, and meeting new people as well. It’s not just kids from our club that go to it; kids from multiple clubs come for the camp. Every school holiday, every term, they have these camps available.

How does the Summer Holiday Football Camp align with the broader goals of Yarraville Glory FC in terms of developing young players, fostering team spirit, and instilling a love for football in the community?

Jim Babatzanis: Keeping the kids playing the game, the game that they enjoy. For me, the more the kids play the game, the more they fall in love with it. I know from my kids, even though they play in the girls, when they’re not there, they won’t be as inclined to play it. Kids these days have different varieties to pick from. Keeping them in love with it, that’s all it is.

Could you walk me through the origins of the GO Family Program and how the partnership was formed? What were the initial goals of this collaboration, and how did it all come together?

Jim Babatzanis: The GO Family Program was formed through the council and Football Victoria. They approached us and other clubs like Maribyrnong Swift and Footscray United Rangers on if we would like to participate, and we agreed. Our first term had solid numbers, but the second term was a bit harder since many kids were already training with their clubs. Still, it’s a great initiative; families that have enjoyed it and had the chance to have a kick with their kids, usually the parents don’t get that opportunity.

The Think Pink campaign has been a significant initiative for the club. Could you share more about how it started and how the club involves its members and supporters in the fundraising efforts?

Jim Babatzanis: Pink Ribbon Day started a long time ago, way past my time being in the committee and president. It began after one of our supporters wives battled breast cancer. We wanted to give back to a good cause. Everyone gets involved—volunteering, donating, and participating in activities like jumping castles, cake stalls, and popcorn machines. One of the most memorable initiatives was when our technical director, James, shaved his long hair to raise funds. The kids loved it, even spray-painting his hair pink before cutting it off. 

Could you share a memorable moment from a fundraising event that really showed the community spirit of Yarraville Glory FC?

Jim Babatzanis: That hair-shaving event was probably one of the most memorable events on the pink ribbon day. Seeing all the kids having a laugh, the parents watching on, and the whole community being involved—it was a special moment. 

Thinking back on your time as president, what has been the most fulfilling or rewarding experience for you when it comes to the club’s work within the community? 

Jim Babatzanis: Growing our junior bases. When our committee took over, we had 180 registered players at the club. Now, we have 420 players and counting. Our female program as well; we went from two female teams to nine since my presidency. For us, that’s been huge, and for me personally, that has been really rewarding.

With the club’s focus on both sporting excellence and community engagement, how do you manage to strike a balance between those two aspects? 

Jim Babatzanis: It’s hard because there is a fine line you’re tinkering on. Kids want to play for fun, but they also want to win. We work to nurture both aspects by improving our coaching staff and training methods. Our technical director, James, plays a big role in this, assisting our coaches in developing the kids. Knowing that each team is different and being around it is important. Feeling the vibe of the team and parents can be challenging, as the president when it comes to winning and losing. You don’t want to lose that community feel of the club.

A-League Transfer Revenue Soars as Youth Development Takes Centre Stage

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Image credit: Imago

The A-League reported last week that Australia’s international transfer revenue has increased by a staggering 1344% over the past three years.

With 2023/24 recording transfer revenue of $16.5 million and 2024/25 reaching $16.9 million, these figures represent a significant improvement compared to the 2022 season, which recorded just $4.17 million in revenue.

This growth coincides with recent data from the A-League showing that the 2024/25 season has seen 39% of A-League minutes played by under-23 players, compared to just 18% in the 2023/24 season and 13% in the 2022/23 season.

This indicates that this season alone has seen a 26% increase in overall minutes played by young players since 2022.

The result of this rise in youth talent is evident with Australia qualifying for the Under-20 Men’s World Cup for the first time in more than a decade and, just last week, lifting the trophy at the Under-20 Asian Cup.

The A-League’s recent success in youth playing time is directly intertwined with the rise in transfer revenue.

This increase in youth participation has emerged as a silver lining from tough times in the league.

In the most recent “Off the Pitch” podcast from Soccerscene, guest speaker Gary Cole, current president of Football Coaches Australia, provided his professional insight into one of these situations.

He explained that the COVID-19 crisis and the financial constraints placed on A-League clubs forced them to look inwards for talent.

Another recent catalyst has been the reduction in funding from the Australian Professional Leagues.

With funding decreasing from $2 million to $500,000 in 2024, clubs have faced difficult financial decisions regarding their budgets.

Players from club academies or even NPL clubs are far more cost-effective for club budgets than more expensive signings.

Additionally, their selling and transfer value provides a huge boost to club revenues.

These events are not coincidental but are catalysts for the rise in homegrown talent testing their skills and showcasing their quality on the big stage.

It demonstrates how, during tough times for the league, supporting youth development has become a key part of the league’s success and represents a profitable and dynamic opportunity for the future.

This opportunity to produce and showcase players to increase Australian youth football standards and therefore transfer value is a proven strategy in football.

Ajax’s Academy is renowned for developing class players and has for many years been a funnel for building their academy graduates and selling players for a profit.

In South America, Brazilian and Argentinian clubs such as River Plate, Boca Juniors, Fluminense and Flamengo have been persistent sources of footballing talent.

Selling stars like Vinicius and Julian Alvarez to Europe for significant financial benefits while still maintaining a healthy domestic talent structure and international success.

Importantly, the common factor in these successful systems is regular first-team minutes at their clubs and even on the international stage.

The evidence from A-League transfer revenues is fitting this pattern.

One must point out that, though this is a great revenue source and a way to place Australian football on the map, this focus can have an adverse effect on the domestic scene.

Football fans are passionate about their clubs, and nothing brings out more pride than watching one of their own prospects grow and play for them.

To use academy players primarily as revenue-building prospects can undermine the important place they have at the club and the overall goal of academies.

This could potentially alienate fan bases, impacting popularity and therefore the quality and financial interests of the league.

Transfer revenue should not be the central response to the league’s current financial burdens.

Being realistic about the position of the A-League in the international football hierarchy is crucial, though ambitions for the league to climb cannot be sidelined.

The rise in player transfer revenue presents an enticing prospect for investment and brings increased popularity.

Players themselves also have their own dreams and aspirations that must be taken into account, which can also encourage transfers and revenue.

Currently, the A-League has the unique opportunity to give its promising young players the chance to play top-level football while producing significant revenue and attracting sponsorship.

Australians playing overseas and at home, puts Australia on the map and solidifies our rise in the footballing scene.

If the focus on homegrown talent is managed well, Australian football will reap huge rewards.

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